Shopify Plus vs Magento: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Shopify Plus and Magento comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Shopify Plus wins this matchup. Wix eCommerce is our overall E-commerce Platforms pick. Wix eCommerce is our free E-commerce Platforms pick. Pick Magento if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Shopify Plus
Scalable commerce platform for high-growth and enterprise businesses.
Best for you if:
- • You want enterprise Shopify features
Magento
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
| At a Glance | Shopify Plus | Magento |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $2300/mo Standard | Free Free plan |
Category | E-commerce Platforms Headless Commerce | E-commerce Platforms Marketplace Builders |
Rating | 4.5/5 G2 4.4 · Capterra 4.7 992 reviews | 4.2/5 Capterra 4.3 · G2 4.0 930 reviews |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Watch out for | These costs are often not factored into the Plus decision. | n/a |
Choose Shopify Plus or Magento?
Choose Shopify Plus if
- You want enterprise Shopify features
- You want customizable checkout
- Budget matters ($2300/mo vs Free)
Choose Magento if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want highly customizable
- You want good for large catalogs
In-Depth Analysis
Shopify Plus
Scalable commerce platform for high-growth and enterprise businesses.
The base fee covers up to 9 stores, B2B tools, checkout customization via Shopify Functions, POS Pro, and the lowest payment processing rates on the platform.
Watch out
These costs are often not factored into the Plus decision.
Strengths
- Pro: Enterprise Shopify features
- Pro: Customizable checkout
- Pro: Launchpad for campaigns
- Pro: Dedicated support
- Pro: Higher API limits
Weaknesses
- Con: Very expensive ($2000+/month)
- Con: Overkill for smaller stores
- Con: Still some customization limits
- Con: Contract required
- Con: Complex for simple needs
Key features
Magento
Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe
Magento's pricing is generous for small businesses with its free Open Source tier, offering a full platform without upfront costs.
Strengths
- Pro: Highly customizable
- Pro: Good for large catalogs
- Pro: B2B features
- Pro: Open source option
- Pro: Enterprise proven
Weaknesses
- Con: Complex and expensive
- Con: Requires development
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Adobe ownership costs
- Con: Steep learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Shopify Plus vs Magento
| Plan | Shopify Plus | Magento |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2300 Standard | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | $2500 Short Term | $22000 year Commerce |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Shopify Plus pricing and Magento pricing.
Key Takeaways
Shopify Plus
- Higher user rating: 4.5/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (992 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Magento
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Shopify Plus wins this matchup. Wix eCommerce is our overall E-commerce Platforms pick. Wix eCommerce is our free E-commerce Platforms pick. Magento has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shopify Plus or Magento better in 2026?
Shopify Plus wins this matchup. Wix eCommerce is our overall E-commerce Platforms pick. Wix eCommerce is our free E-commerce Platforms pick. Pick Shopify Plus for e-commerce platforms workflows (main strength: enterprise Shopify features). Pick Magento for e-commerce platforms workflows (main strength: highly customizable).
What are Shopify Plus and Magento used for?
Shopify Plus: Scalable commerce platform for high-growth and enterprise businesses. Magento: Open-source e-commerce platform by Adobe.
What does Shopify Plus cost vs Magento?
Shopify Plus's paid plans start at $2300/mo (Standard). Magento's paid plans start at Free (Commerce).
What's the main difference between Shopify Plus and Magento?
Shopify Plus's main strength: enterprise Shopify features. Magento's main strength: highly customizable.